The second image the Lord uses is that of “the light of the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More.” It is an amazing statement from the Lord: His disciples would be, during the time of His absence, not only the salt of the earth but also the light of the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More.

“You are the light of the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15).

What does ‘light’ mean?

Just as the first image of the “salt of the earth” is imbued with the idea of justice, so the second speaks of graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More. These two ideas or principles also underlie the BeatitudesThe first statements in the Sermon on the Mount are referred to as the Beatitude (Mt 5:3-12). In it, the Lord praises people who live the moral characteristics of the... More at the beginning of the chapter. In verses 3–6, we see character traits that are characterized by justice. In verses 7–9, we are presented with character traits that are associated with graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More. Even though the Lord Jesus then speaks of the persecution that will come upon His disciples, He first mentions those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness (verse 10) and then those who, by graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More, will be enabled to endure persecution and insults for His sake (verses 11-12).

Salt and light are very different. Nevertheless, they have one thing in common: they both speak of bearing witness to God. Since corruption and darkness always go hand in hand in a spiritual sense, the Lord Jesus' twofold parableA parable is a pictorial representation of messages that are not directly stated and require interpretation. God already used parables in the Old Testament to convey messages to his people... More shows the twofold responsibility of His disciples and the twofold need of people.

Salt counteracts corruption, light dispels darkness. In this respect, both are based on a common idea. Many passages in Scripture expose the moral evil of this worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More (e.g., 1 John 5:19; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 1:23-32; 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Salt is used to counteract this. Other passages show more of the ignorance, spiritual blindness, and foolishness of people (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; Matthew 24:12). To dispel this, God, in His graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More, allows the light to shine.

“Light” speaks of what God reveals of Himself and His thoughts. Even in the Old Testament, there was a certain light from and about God. The golden lampstand spread His light symbolically in the sanctuaryName for the house or room that represented the dwelling place of God in the midst of his people in the OT. Used in the OT to describe and characterize... More of God in Israel (Exodus 27:20), and faithful men of God rejoiced in the light that emanated from God and His Word (PsalmPsalm simply means "song." In the Old Testament, this word only occurs in connection with the Psalms of David and the Book of Psalms. Singers sang a psalm with instrumental... More 4:6; 27:1; 36:9; 43:3; 97:11; 112:4; 118:27; 119:105; Proverbs 6:23). But the people of Israel as a whole failed as bearers of God's testimony before the world. They neither appreciated the light given to them nor did they even consider spreading it to the outside world. Strangers who came to Israel from the nations could hardly recognize the light there. Solomon was a brilliant exception in the otherwise dark history of Israel. When the Queen of Sheba visited him from a distant land, he already understood that "those who come in should see the light" (cf. Luke 11:33). She was enraptured when she “saw all the wisdom of Solomon” (1 Kings 10). In contrast, in New Testament times, the Jews boasted of being "leaders of the blind" and "a light to those who are in darkness" (Romans 2:19), but they lacked reality; they were only outwardly Jews (verses 28, 29).

When the Son of GodThe term "Son of God" in the singular always refers to the Lord Jesus. On the one hand, He is the only begotten (unique) and eternal Son of God, who... More was here on earth, He was the light of the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More (John 9:5), the true light (1:9). He could say, “I have come as a light into the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness” (12:46). In a perfect way, He revealed who and what God is. In Him as a man on earth, we can actually find the truth in relation to everyone and everything. It is a blessed object, to dwell on which leads to worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor... More. Yet though ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More was and is the full revelation of God, the “image of the invisible God” (John 1:18; Colossians 1:15), men hated the light because their worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More were evil, and they did not want to be exposed (John 3:19, 20). We know that they did not rest until they had silenced that admonishing voice.

Now ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More says of His disciples: “You are the light of the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More.” If He was rejected and went to heaven, then He has set His own to spread divine light among men in His stead. Though once themselves “darkness,” they are now “light in the Lord” and thus enabled to walk as “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). In the letter to the Philippians, they are compared to “lights” in the firmament, shining in the midst of a crooked and perverse nationNation (not nations) refers to any kind of people on the whole earth. This term is used to describe both Jews (John 11:51; Acts 10:22) and all other tribes. The... More, “holding fast the word of life” (Philippians 2:15, 16). Thus, the light they reflect is not their own light; they receive it entirely from ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More, their glorified Lord above.

That is the great grace in this present time: that the light still shines, shines before others and for others. It may be a guiding light or a warning light – it shines for the good of people. In this respect, the effect and character of the light go far beyond that of the "salt." "Salt" cannot reveal everything, cannot remedy a corrupt state. But the light of God can do both. The light of God's revelation not only exposes evil but also brings the graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More and mercy of God into what is, in itself, darkness. It illuminates the darkness of the soul and leads to the radiance of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More (2 Corinthians 4:6). Is it not a magnificent, inspiring thought that God wants to use His own today to spread His thoughts about ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More in the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More of darkness? How gratifying to know that despite all of Satan's efforts to extinguish the light, “the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8)! And here it is not ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More who is the true light; no, it is His own because they possess His life and reflect it.

Two images

The Lord now employs two images in our parableA parable is a pictorial representation of messages that are not directly stated and require interpretation. God already used parables in the Old Testament to convey messages to his people... More: that of a city on a hill and that of a lamp lit in a house. One speaks of outward light, the other of light within.

When we hear about the “city set on a hill” and therefore cannot be hidden, we must first think of an oriental city built of white limestone, which in ancient times often stood on a hill and was visible from afar with its houses, walls, and towers in the glaring sunlight. It was also well visible at night because of the numerous lit lamps in the houses.

The Lord's disciples resemble such a city: through their testimony of their Lord and Master, they spread spiritual light that they themselves have previously received. This light is accessible to all people; it is intended for everyone; it is for the “worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More,” not just for the limited area of the “earth.” True disciples of the Lord cannot remain hidden in the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More. That is the normal state of affairs. We generally have little idea of the extent of the light that Christianity has spread throughout the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More. Even today, thank God, there is more than just a trace of it, even in a time when Christian values are increasingly falling into decay. Nevertheless, the words of the Lord have not lost their validity. This should encourage us.

But then the Lord Jesus moves on to the other image. He apparently foresaw the danger that the light could be obscured by human unfaithfulness. Just as salt could lose its power, so the influence of light might be inhibited. In either case, it would be unusable for the intended purpose.

No doubt people in the natural realm do not place a lit lamp under a basket or under a bed (Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16). After all, the light is meant to serve everyone in the house. People generally dislike living in the dark. When it gets dark, they turn on the light. Being in the dark is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. That is why they appreciate artificial light sources, even if their light may be dim, as was the case in ancient times. No, they would not cover a lighted lamp with a vessel (Luke 8:16) or place it in a hidden place (chapter 11:33), but rather on a lampstand, so that “those who come in may see the light.”

But in the spiritual realm, they often act quite differently. Spiritual light is by no means as appreciated as natural light. Therefore, there is a danger of stifling the received light through excessive activity and greed (bushel), or through a tendency towards laziness (bed), or in some other way (jar). We know that this is precisely what has happened in Christianity. Yes, they fear this light that exposes their own failure and the hollowness of the system.

The “house” obviously symbolizes an inner realm that is entrusted to us Christians. It is the will of God that His light should illuminate this realm. Luke shows us in his Gospel that the Lord Jesus used the image of the lit lamp twice in different contexts. He also quotes the Lord's words twice: “... so that those who come in may see the light.”

We have already touched on this: when the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, she saw something of the light and order of God in his house. How about us? When strangers come to our house or our meetings, are they also impressed by the light that prevails there? When you come from the outside into the “house” of Christianity, you may no longer see much of the light that God originally gave. But may the Lord help us to be concerned that in the area where we can still exert influence, divine light is in charge! Those who come in will perceive it (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25). And as for those “who are in the house,” the lamp shines for them; in its light they can move about safely. What an invaluable blessingA blessing is something good, in the Old Testament, usually associated with possessions, prosperity, and health, and is usually pronounced over someone. In principle, the lesser is blessed by the... More it is when, above all, the homes of believers are guided by the light of divine thoughts and revelations, and not by human wisdom or even by arbitrariness or chance!

But the bushel and the bed also pose a danger to us at all times, and we should not underestimate them. If we give in to our inclination towards one or the other, we will gradually lose the light.

Good WorksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More

The Savior concludes the parableA parable is a pictorial representation of messages that are not directly stated and require interpretation. God already used parables in the Old Testament to convey messages to his people... More by summarizing its teaching in the following admonition:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More and glorify your Father in heaven”(Matthew 5:16).

The light He has given us is to shine before men. The possession of the ‘knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’ is both a prerequisite and an obligation for this. Now, we must undoubtedly be careful that the light also has its effect in secret, where people do not see it but where only God, our Father, perceives it – He who “sees in secret” (chapter 6:6). But here we have the side facing outwards.

We should not let our good worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More shine before people, but our light. The first would emphasize the wrong side and would only lead to the glorification of man. We must not seek to produce good worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More, but we should attach the greatest importance to our testimony to our Lord. When God has revealed Himself to us in His Son, He also wants us to bear witness to Him before the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More through our words and deeds. Are we doing this? We do not have to wait for special, great moments. Daily life presents numerous opportunities to demonstrate to others what the Lord Jesus means to us. A life of communion with Him will also be rich in good worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More, which will then be seen by people.

What does the Lord mean by "good works"? Does He have in mind what people of the world understand by it, for example, works of charity? If that were the case, He would put His own on a par with unbelievers and make what is "good" dependent on their judgment. If they practice charity, and noble and religious people are willing and able to do so because they consider it to be "good." But in the eyes of God, only that which is in accordance with His will and that which is done out of obedience to Him is good. Only God does good without obeying, precisely because He is God, because He is the Sovereign. In a similar sense, the Lord once said to the rich young man: “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). But the creature only does good when it obeys Him in doing so.

No, it is not the deeds of charity in themselves that the Lord expects of His disciples, but He seeks something greater: works of faith that arise from communion with Him and that are accomplished in the power of the Holy Spirit. By "good works," we can understand all that reflects the will and intention of God in our lives. But how close must we be to Him to be able to do that! And what a wide field of activity opens up for us here in the normal circumstances of our lives!

The result of a faithful testimony and a devoted life will be that God is glorified, not man. People will not break into cries of admiration for the believers for what they see in them. Everything will return to the One from whom it came: to our Father who is in heaven. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights (James 1:17), and everything must return in gratitude and adoration to Him, the source. This is the way of God, and this alone is worthy of Him.